Are you looking for the best 5G router for your business or public organization? Look no further than our comprehensive review of five top-tier 5G cellular routers. Each router brings its unique features to the forefront, catering to different modern networking needs. We also outline ideal use cases for each 5G router.
Best 5G Router for Business or Government
Cradlepoint W1850 Wideband 5G Adaptor/Router
The Cradlepoint W1850 5G Wideband Adapter offers advanced networking for branch locations with dual 5G and LTE connectivity. It is capable of 2 Gbps throughput and features 2.5 GbE LAN ports, so it's ideal for high-speed, data-heavy applications. Managed via Cradlepoint's NetCloud, it ensures streamlined configuration, enhanced security, and efficient monitoring. Key features include traffic steering, QoS, and zero-touch deployment, making it easily adaptable to various networking environments. Its robust metal form factor, advanced analytics, and machine learning make the W1850 a top choice for businesses seeking a reliable, high-performance 5G networking solution. See the W1850 wideband 5G adaptor product page.
Sierra Wireless XR80 5G Router
Sierra Wireless' XR80 5G Router is a versatile device optimized for fixed and mobile applications. Its dual-5G cellular radio and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities ensure high-speed and data-heavy operations. The XR80 supports complete device-to-cloud security and offers flexibility through its cartridge-based design, making it suitable for public safety, field service fleets, and industrial IoT applications. This router reduces the total cost of ownership and is highly scalable for future-proofing against evolving network technologies. See the XR80 5G Router page.
InHand ER800 5G Router
The InHand ER800 is a cloud-managed 5G cellular router that delivers high bandwidth and low latency, making it ideal for next-generation network needs. It supports SD-WAN technology, enhances branch intercommunication, and provides outstanding reliability through various connectivity methods, including wired broadband and dual SIM design. The ER800's comprehensive security protection and visualized management for comprehensive insights suit businesses seeking a powerful, efficient, secure networking solution. See the ER800 5G Router page.
Teltonika RUTX50 Industrial 5G Router
Teltonika's RUTX50 is a robust industrial 5G router offering up to 3.3 Gbps ultra-high cellular speeds. It provides data connection redundancy with auto-failover and is backward compatible with 4G and 3G networks. The dual-SIM capability, 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and dual-band Wi-Fi make it ideal for high-speed, data-intensive applications. The router’s advanced security features, QoS management, and capability to support various routing protocols make it an excellent choice for industrial applications needing reliable, high-speed connectivity. See the RUTX50 Industrial 5G router page.
Digi TX40 5G Router
The Digi TX40 is a 5G cellular router for next-generation public safety connectivity. Meeting the U.S. government's FIPS 140-2 cybersecurity standard, it supports FirstNet Capable™, Verizon Frontline, and T-Mobile Connecting Heroes. Its Digi TrustFence security framework ensures secure, reliable connections, while the Digi Remote Manager facilitates easy deployment and management of in-vehicle devices. The TX40 is ideal for mission-critical applications where security, resilience, and cloud-native management are paramount. Its value-added services, like Digi Containers and WAN Bonding, make it a comprehensive solution for emergency vehicle connectivity. See the Digi TX40 5G Router page.
Security Features
Cradlepoint W1850: Offers secure remote management and orchestration, part of Cradlepoint's NetCloud Service. This ensures a high level of security for remote access and network management.
Sierra Wireless XR80: Provides complete device-to-cloud security, AirLink Connection Manager for VPN, and hybrid cloud options for enhanced security.
InHand ER800: Comprehensive security protection with remote access control, firewall rules, TLS encryption, and two-factor authentication.
Teltonika RUTX50: Offers pre-configured firewall rules, DDOS prevention, attack prevention, VLAN, and VPN support, indicating robust security features.
Digi TX40: Meets the U.S. government FIPS 140-2 cybersecurity standard and is integrated with the Digi TrustFence security framework. It includes a secure boot, protected hardware ports, authentication features, and secure connections.
Quality of Service (QoS) Management
Cradlepoint W1850: Includes Traffic Steering & QoS features, allowing prioritization of traffic based on business needs, ensuring efficient and reliable network performance.
Sierra Wireless XR80: There is no specific mention of QoS management in the XR80 specs.
InHand ER800: No direct mention of QoS, but SD-WAN technology implies some level of traffic management and prioritization.
Teltonika RUTX50: Supports traffic priority queuing, indicating good QoS capabilities.
Digi TX40: Provides QoS via TOS/DSCP, which is suitable for managing diverse field assets and prioritizing traffic.
Cloud Management and Monitoring
Cradlepoint W1850: Managed through Cradlepoint's NetCloud platform, the W1850 provides streamlined configuration, diagnostics, troubleshooting, insights, alerts, and dashboard analytics. This enables efficient and practical cloud-based management and device and network monitoring.
Sierra Wireless XR80: AirLink Management Service (ALMS) for remote device and security management indicates effective cloud management.
InHand ER800: Centralized cloud management with InCloud Manager, offering efficient network management.
Teltonika RUTX50: Remote management system (RMS) and firmware updates via the web interface suggest good cloud management options.
Digi TX40: Managed with Digi Remote Manager, a cloud-based platform, the Digi TX40 can be easily deployed, configured, and maintained. It provides a centralized management solution for dispersed IoT devices.
Versatile Connectivity Options
Cradlepoint W1850: Features dual connectivity with 5G low/mid-band and LTE (Cat 20 or Cat 19). It also offers LAN connectivity with 2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports, providing flexible, high-speed networking options.
Sierra Wireless XR80: Dual 5G cellular radio, multiple Ethernet ports, and MU-MIMO Wi-Fi 6 indicate highly versatile connectivity options.
InHand ER800: Supports 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi (STA), dual SIM, and multiple Ethernet ports, providing versatile connectivity.
Teltonika RUTX50: Dual-SIM support, 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and dual-band Wi-Fi indicate versatile connectivity options.
Digi TX40: Offers 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, with NSA and SA modes for 5G. It includes dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) concurrent 2 x 2 MIMO operation for Wi-Fi and is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and 4.
Compatibility with Existing Network Infrastructure
Cradlepoint W1850: Adaptable to any networking and SD-WAN environment. Its features, such as zero-touch deployment and day-1 broadband, facilitate easy integration into existing network infrastructures without needing on-site IT staff.
Sierra Wireless XR80: Offers backward compatibility with 4G and 3G and multiple interfaces for long-term expandability.
InHand ER800: Supports various IP and network protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructures.
Teltonika RUTX50: Backward compatible with 4G and 3G technologies and supports various routing and network protocols, indicating good compatibility.
Digi TX40: ITxPT-certified for interoperability, the Digi TX40 ensures seamless integration with other vehicle systems. It supports various cellular bands and has multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet, Serial, and USB ports.
Ideal Applications for the 5G routers
Cradlepoint W1850: Ideal for branch offices needing fast, reliable internet with dual 5G and LTE connectivity. Perfect for cloud-based applications, remote work environments, and retail setups. Adaptable for SD-WAN solutions, enhancing network performance and security.
Sierra Wireless XR80: Ideal for mobile mission-critical applications in public safety, field service fleets, fixed wireless access, and industrial IoT.
InHand ER800: Suitable for businesses needing SD-WAN technology for branch intercommunication, emphasizing reliability and comprehensive security.
Teltonika RUTX50: Optimized for industrial applications requiring dual-SIM capabilities, high-speed data, and data-heavy applications, with robust security and QoS management.
Digi TX40: Perfect for public safety connectivity, emergency vehicle networks, and applications requiring high security and compliance with government standards, such as FIPS 140-2.
In conclusion, these five 5G routers offer unique strengths, making them suitable for various business environments and requirements. From enhanced security features to robust cloud management, they provide the essential tools for today's high-speed, data-driven world.